Dear Father by J. Ivy, Atria/Beyond Words Publishing

I was left behind without a father around. Why?! Every question added flame to the fire inside.”

James Ivy Richardson, better known as J. Ivy, is a poet, spoken word artist, recording artist, and author shares memories of his childhood, admiration of his parents and siblings, and the life he lived as he grew up in Chicago. The book revolves around feelings towards his father and not dealing with this issue until his college years with the art of poetry. J. Ivy was not new to poetry; in fact, he began writing in high school with the encouragement of his English teacher and the support of his mother.

J. Ivy gives an in-depth look into his life without the smoke and screen you might find in some autobiographies. He lays everything on the line out into the open for the world to see. He takes you on a personal journey of his life with the difficulties, without the sugar or candy coating, as he learns several of life’s lessons including forgiveness.

Dear Father, written well with openness, flows beautifully with spotted poetry and an opportunity to scan downloads of several live performances by J. Ivy. I highly recommended for anyone seeking the fierce drive behind J. Ivy, the man.

I received this book free from Atria/Beyond Words Publishers through the Net Galley reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.